Make your spring break one to remember!

Spring break is just around the corner. Have you thought about what you will do with your time off from school? If you enjoy helping others, traveling to new places, and learning new skills, a volunteering trip may be a wonderful option! Whether you are passionate about community service, enjoy learning about a particular social issue or are looking for a leadership or résumé-building opportunity, an alternative spring break trip can offer you an incredibly rewarding way to spend your week.

Travel with a purpose

What's ASB? Alternative Spring Breaks are week-long volunteering trips for students to work together toward a common goal. Participants immerse themselves into different cultures to help communities in need, whether across the nation or abroad. These volunteer trips allow students the opportunity to give back over the break.

Alternative Break trips are gaining popularity among students looking to make a difference and improve the lives of people around the world.

On a budget? You don't need to travel across the globe to make a positive impact. Domestic volunteer opportunities tend to cost much less. Check locally for charitable organizations in need of volunteers, or find a cause that interests you and inquire if you might be able to help.

Why volunteer on your spring break?

During time off from classes, philanthropic students are traveling across the world trading beach towels for tool belts and working with host communities on social issues such as poverty, homelessness, public health, environmental conservation, education accessibility and economic inequality. Check out some of the incredible benefits of joining your school's Alternative Spring Break program!

DISCOVER - Get out of your comfort zone and try something new. Meet new people and travel to new places.

GAIN PERSPECTIVE - Open yourself to new ideas. Be a part of something bigger than yourself. Grow personally, professionally and socially. Boost your own confidence upon finishing your service project.

DEVELOP SKILLS - Want to differentiate yourself from a pile of résumés? Add work experience and professional skills to your résumé. (Many companies seek out graduates with hands-on leadership experience and problem-solving skills!)

EXPLORE - Immerse yourself in a new culture and experience other walks of life. Explore the traditions and history of an area.

FOCUS - Gain firsthand experience and deep knowledge on a particular issue that's important to you.

NETWORK - Develop strong, lifelong friendships. Meet people with similar interests and goals as you.

LEARN - Explore social, political and cultural dynamics of a community. Apply your education and skills to make a difference and create meaningful change in your host community.

IMPACT - Make a difference. Help someone in need. Dig deeper into all sides of a social issue. See the world, serve others and expand your worldview.

REFLECT - Develop gratitude, patience and a deeper appreciation for your education. Cultivate social responsibility. Come back to school thankful, inspired and ready to take meaningful action in your own community.

Types of Spring Break Volunteer Programs

Interested in making a difference? College students have many options when seeking out ways to contribute and improve conditions around the world during a school break. Options abound. Here are some examples of things you could do during a volunteer trip!

Improve communities and lives

Giving back over spring break might be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of your college career. To get started, contact your school's alternative break program office or look into popular alternative spring break programs for students such as: